A wealth of Mexican Spanish exists in the United States, especially in California. With a vibrant Latino community full of people who can trace their roots to Mexico, is it any wonder that there’s a powerful influence of Mexican Spanish literature?

In case you missed out, here are three wonderful books you can read, either in the original Spanish, or in translation, depending on your Spanish language ability.

1. News from the Empire, by Fernando Del Paso

News From the Empire tells the story of Maximilian and Carlota, who had brief careers as the Emperor and Empress of Mexico. This is truly a masterpiece of Mexican Spanish literature. These Bourbon and Hapsburg royals, propped up by the French military, tried to turn Mexico into a monarchy. If you know anything about history, you know they didn’t do a very good job. The book, a wonderful fictionalization of Louis Napoleon’s attempt to take over Mexico, will provide you with a very amusing and engaging read.

2. El Desbarrancadero, by Fernando Vallejo

El Desbarrancadero, or The Edge of the Abyss, is a book that takes place in Colombia. It’s a bit of a cheat to put it on this list, as Vallejo, who does live in Mexico City, was actually born in Colombia. It’s a well-crafted tale of family, substance abuse, disease, and shared memory. True, if you’re prone to depression, this book might not be for you, but if you want an excellent read, be brave and give it a go.

3. Terra Nostra, Carlos Fuentes

Mr. Fuentes is probably best known for his 1985 book The Old Gringo. That book was based on Ambrose Bierce’s disappearance in Mexico, and it was also turned into a Hollywood movie starring Jane Fonda and Gregory Peck. Despite the popularity of The Old Gringo, you really ought to check out his seminal work, Terra Nostra. This epic novel details the very long history (20 centuries) of South America and Spain — all the while making wonderful use of this skillful writer’s beautiful prose.